Indiana Pacers: The argument for running it back next season

The Indiana Pacers can make noise in the East, which is more wide-open than you think

If anything, this peculiar season clearly showed the opportunistic nature of the NBA. While it is unfortunate that injuries have ruined the narrative for the 2020-21 season, most notably in the playoffs, short-term adversaries may lead to some interesting results in the near future, especially for teams on the outside looking in.

Those in the upper echelon of the East face no guarantees next season either. The Milwaukee Bucks, despite being in the running to win the title, face a scary period while waiting for superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury diagnosis after a scary sequence last night. The Brooklyn Nets are also facing intermittent uncertainties with the health of their Big 3. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers are in the middle of a fundamental misfit with the unrest surrounding Ben Simmons.

Other playoff teams are similarly no shoe-ins for the next campaign. The Atlanta Hawks will soon find themselves embroiled in exhaustive financial decisions with John Collins and extensions for their key players. The Miami Heat will mull between overpaying their free agent studs and retaining cap space to buy in an uninspiring free agency class. The Boston Celtics are still too top-heavy, though a breakout season may be on the way.

Eventually, the Indiana Pacers’ trek for East relevancy may not be as difficult as it seems, especially with aggravating circumstances hampering their counterparts in the conference. Given the more seamless track for teams with continuity, sneaking up on teams will be more than just a wishful possibility for the Blue and Gold, especially with a new accomplished coach to lead them this time.